University Welcomes Alumni for Homecoming

This is Homecoming weekend at the University, and well over 1,200 Sewanee alumni are expected to be on the Mountain. This is a reunion year for alumni with class years ending in 2 and 7; those classes will have special events in addition to the all-alumni offerings. Reunion events also are planned for former members of the University Choir, Kappa Sigma and the rugby team.

The registration desk at the McGriff Alumni House will be open until 6 p.m., today (Friday),  and 8 a.m.–1 p.m. on Saturday. The weekend will be filled with social, educational and recreational opportunities planned to appeal to all alumni.

At 4 p.m. today, there will be a ceremonial planting of an American Chestnut tree in the Environmental Quad in front of Snowden Hall. The Sewanee Tigers football team will take on Rhodes College at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Academic offerings include the opportunity to sit in on college classes and to hear presentations on the new strategic plan by Provost John Swallow, C’89; the University farm by Gina Raicovich, farm manager; and “The Forest Unseen” by professor David Haskell.

Arts events include a reading and book signing of “Sewanee Poems” by Richard Tillinghast, C’62, and illustrated by Joseph Winkleman, C’64, and a book signing of “Hike ‘Em All” by Mary Priestley, C’72. Richard Fleming will read from his book and speak about his photographs, followed by a reception. The exhibition “Richard Fleming: Walking to Guantánamo” is on display in the University Art Gallery. 

Theatre Sewanee’s production of the off-Broadway comedy “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” will be performed at the Tennessee Williams Center. The Rainbow Ribbon Society will host a reception for alumni, families and friends at 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 27, at the home of Marvin Goodstein, 147 Louisiana Circle, Sewanee.

Outdoor offerings include a hike of the new Caldwell Rim Trail overlooking Lost Cove, the annual fun run for alumni and friends, a “sneak peek” tour of the golf course renovation and numerous varsity athletic events. 

Vice-Chancellor John McCardell and his wife, Bonnie, will welcome alumni at events throughout the weekend. The new Elliott Terrace in front of the McGriff Alumni House will be dedicated Saturday.

The full schedule of events can be found at <www.sewaneegateway.com/>.

Early Voting Ends Thursday

Early voting in Tennessee ends on Thursday, Nov. 1.

Across the state, early voting has been very strong in its first six days. As of Oct. 25, Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett reported that more than 700,000 ballots had already been cast.

The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 6. Precincts will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. All voters must show a photo ID before they are allowed to vote. The new Tennessee law allows voters to cast provisional ballots if they arrive at the polls without photo ID, but they must then appear at their local election commission within two days after the election to have their votes counted.

In Franklin County, early voting will be on Saturday, Oct. 27, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Franklin County Election Commission office; 829 Dinah Shore Blvd., Winchester. On Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 29–30, the office will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On the final two days of early voting, Wednesday, Oct. 31 and Thursday, Nov. 1, the office will be open 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Anyone who requested and received an absentee ballot must return it by Nov. 6. For more information call the Franklin County Election Commission at 967-1893.

Early voting in Grundy County is at two locations: the Election Commission Office, located at the Courthouse in Altamont or at 10218 U.S. Highway 41 (formerly the site of Sharron’s Beauty Shoppe between Monteagle and Tracy City).

Monteagle City voters who live in Marion or Franklin counties will vote in their regular polling locations; to vote in the Monteagle City elections, however, those voters will need to go to the Monteagle City Hall Annex. 

Hargett reminds voters to participate in the new “Tennessee Honor Vote” program, which provides citizens with an opportunity to dedicate their votes in the upcoming election to the servicemen and servicewomen of their choice.

A new page has been developed on the Secretary of State’s website where people may sign up and dedicate a personal message to one or more active or retired members of the armed forces. Go to < http://tnsos.net/Elections/honor_vote/form.php>.

SUD to Install New Technology for Improved Meter Reading

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

The Sewanee Utility District of Franklin and Marion Counties (SUD) plans to implement automatic meter reading (AMR) technology and, if funding can be found, a constructed wetlands. The SUD board of commissioners reviewed financial considerations related to the AMR system and the constructed wetlands at the Oct. 23 business meeting.

AMR technology uses a two-way radio frequency system to collect meter data. The meter reader can access meter data from the utility company vehicle, SUD manager Ben Beavers explained. Due to inaccurate meters or leaks, SUD receives no revenue for one-fourth of the water it produces. 

Advantages of AMR include more accurate meter data, aid in leak detection and time and labor savings for SUD employees, freeing them for other responsibilities. Also, since the meter reader can use a car rather than a truck with AMR, SUD’s vehicle expenses will be reduced by $25,000. The AMR technology will cost approximately $350,000 ($200 per meter), to be spread over the next three years. The Tracy City water utility implemented AMR several years ago, and the system is paying for itself even faster than expected. 

SUD will meet with officials from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) on Oct. 29 to discuss the constructed wetlands project. The University of the South and University of Georgia recently collaborated on a design study for a pilot constructed wetlands at SUD’s wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). 

The goal of the pilot wetlands would be to provide data supporting the improved water quality and cost-effectiveness of replacing wastewater spray fields (SUD’s present wastewater treatment method) with a constructed wetlands system. Constructed wetlands are in use in Georgia, and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Transportation uses constructed wetlands to treat wastewater at rest areas, but constructed wetlands have not been implemented in Tennessee on the scale SUD is proposing. If TDEC favors the project, SUD hopes the state will request EPA funding on SUD’s behalf.

Beavers reviewed highlights of the proposed 2013 budget. The AMR technology will result in an increase in the capital improvements budget. The operating budget will remain the same as in 2012. Beavers anticipates a 3–4 percent cost-of-living raise for SUD employees, but other operating expenses will be lower than in the 2012 budget. Gas consumption, the cost of gasoline and healthcare costs were less than expected in 2012, Beavers said.

SUD’s long-range plan calls for a 2–4 percent annual rate increase to allow for needed updates and repairs. However, SUD did not implement a rate increase in 2011 or 2012. A 2 percent rate increase would bring in $24,000 in additional revenue. The board approved an authorization request for $7,070 to repair the fence at the WWTP, required by TDEC following an inspection. The board also approved a new nondiscrimination policy with wording that more strictly complies with the Title VI Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1967. 

The next meeting of the SUD board of commissioners is scheduled for November 27.

Kirby Smith Orchard Being Restored

Saplings grafted from trees originally planted in the 19th century were planted on the Sewanee campus on Tuesday, Oct. 23.

Former Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith came to teach at the University of the South in 1875. He was a professor of mathematics, a subject he had earlier taught at West Point; he also taught botany. While at Sewanee, Kirby Smith began an apple and pear orchard, of which only two living trees remain.

Over the past three years Martin Knoll, professor of forestry and geology at Sewanee, has worked with local horticulturist Alex Neubauer (center) of Hidden Hollow Nursery, to graft shoots from the remaining trees and produce saplings that are clones of the original. The Friends of Abbo’s Alley planted several apple and pear saplings on the site of the old orchard in Abbo’s Alley behind Johnson Hall. This is the hillside filled with daffodils each year during the early spring; the tree planting should have no effect on the flowers. The specific type of apple will remain unknown until the trees bear fruit.

Abbo’s Alley is a ravine garden on the Sewanee campus. The name honors Abbott Cotton Martin, a professor of English at Sewanee for more than 40 years and a self-taught gardener who adopted the ravine, probably during the 1930s. The Friends of Abbo’s Alley is a group of community volunteers who have provided equipment, supplies and labor to maintain the garden.

2nd Annual Sewanee Angel Festival Saturday

On Saturday, Oct. 20, the downtown village will transform itself for the Second Annual Sewanee Angel Festival, hosted by the Sewanee Business Alliance. There will be food, drink, dancing and crafts for folks of all ages at the Angel Park.

Ashley Cleveland will open the festival at 7 p.m. She is a three-time Grammy and two-time Dove Award winner who has released eight critically acclaimed albums. “God Don’t Never Change,” her most recent effort (2009), features songs rooted in a “host of traditions: black spirituals, folks songs, 18th-century hymns, gospel blues and jubilee.” The Austin American-Statesman called it, “One of the best rock n’ roll albums of the year.” Taking the stage after Cleveland will be Towson Engsberg & Friends, a talented local blues and cover band.

There will be booths offering food, drink and information (see related story on page 9). Among the local offerings will be items from the Blue Chair Café & Tavern, Sewanee Sweets and Julia’s. Members of the Sewanee Arts & Crafts Association will also be displaying their work. The Sewanee Business Alliance has also commissioned a limited quantity of printed Hatch Show Print posters for the festival. They will be for sale, along with bricks and T-shirts, during the Angel Festival. Proceeds from these items benefit the park.

The Angel Park is being built by donations from local businesses and community members. So far, $60,000 has been raised and another $40,000 is needed to fully fund this new and exciting venue. Personalized bricks will be available for purchase during the festival. 

“We are expecting hundreds of people to attend this event” said John Goodman, Sewanee Business Alliance president. “We could not produce such high quality music without the support of more than 25 local sponsors this year.” 

Goodson encourages folks to bring a chair or blanket, enjoy the park, listen to incredible music, enjoy great food and drink, and savor the fall weather. The festival is free to the public.

Friends of South Cumberland Hike & Fete Saturday

The Friends of South Cumberland (FSC) is hosting its second annual “Take a Walk on the Wild Side,” Sat., Oct. 20. The event will include a guided hike, music and a visit from Tennessee State Naturalist Emeritus Mack Prichard, as the FSC honors those who join the Mack Prichard Circle.

This “low-key, wear-your-hiking-boots, relax-on-the-bluff” event will be held at the Clifftops home of Charles and Lynn Blankenship. 

Members and people interested in learning more about the Friends of South Cumberland are invited. The honorees will be those who “Follow in Mack’s Tracks” by making a donation of $250 or more to the FSC. Guests may join the Friends (annual dues are $25 per person or $35 per couple).

A short hike will begin at 2:30 p.m., and the party is 3–5:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy hors d’ouvres and music by Mary Priestley and Mike Roark. 

The mission of the Friends of South Cumberland is to support the Park, preserve and protect it, and to serve as a mechanism to reach out to individuals to become involved. Totaling 21,649 acres, the South Cumberland Park is comprised of ten districts scattered over 100 square miles in Franklin, Marion, Grundy and Sequatchie counties, but is managed as a single park.

For more information about the Wild Side event, contact Margaret Matens (931) 924-2623 or <margaretmatens@gmail.com>.

“The Music of Film” Concert

The University Jazz Band, under the direction of Prakash Wright, and the Sewanee Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Joseph Lee, will present their first concert of the academic year at 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 20, in Guerry Hall.

This concert, “The Music of Film,” will feature music made famous by great movies. 

The Jazz Band will open the program and will play selections including big band arrangements of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “My Favorite Things.” 

The Sewanee Symphony Orchestra will present selections from “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” and “Schindler’s List.” Selections from “Schindler’s List” by composer John Williams will feature violinist Katherine Lehman. 

While the core of the orchestra and the jazz band consist of undergraduate students, the roster presents a true cross-section of the community and includes students from the School of Theology, faculty from both divisions of the University and members of the community. 

This concert is free and open to the public.

Picasso at the Lapin Agile Opens Oct. 26

Theatre/Sewanee will present the long-running Off-Broadway comedy by Steve Martin, “Picasso At The Lapin Agile,” at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Oct. 26–27; at 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 28; and at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1–3, in the Tennessee Williams Center. 

The comedy places Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso in a Parisian café in 1904, just before the renowned scientist transformed physics with his theory of relativity, and the celebrated painter set the art world afire with cubism. 

In his first comedy for the stage, the actor, novelist and screenwriter plays fast and loose with fact, fame and fortune as these two geniuses muse on the century’s achievements and prospects, as well as other fanciful topics with infectious dizziness. Bystanders, including Picasso’s agent, the bartender and his mistress, Picasso’s date, an elderly “philosopher,” and an idiot inventor introduce additional flourishes of humor. 

“Picasso At The Lapin Agile” features Michael Caskey as Picasso and Dana Huffer as Einstein. Other cast members include Megan Quick, Cody Snead, Willem Peglau, Pagie Wilson, Oliver Crawford, Haley Poole, Hunter Woolwine, Elise Anderson, and Hyatt Pyle. 

The play is directed by Peter Smith, assisted by Beckett Scott. Scenery is designed by Andy Philpo, lighting by Dan Backlund, costumes by Carter Stough, with stage management by Mary Morrison. 

Admission is free, and reservations are encouraged at 598-3260 or <mcook@sewanee.edu>.

“Camp Discover” Connects Families, Children and Community in Grundy

Families, children, teachers, community leaders and partners gathered at Grundy Lakes on Oct. 4 for a family reunion of “Camp Discover: Me, My Community, My World.” The event included hayrides, canoe rides, educational hikes, apple tastings, read-alouds, singing, a family-style dinner and many lasting memories from this summer’s Camp Discover. To extend the learning at home, families and children were given a Camp Discover backpack, books and a family activity guide. 

“Camp Discover: Me, My Community, My World” was a new two-week summer program for 24 Tracy City Elementary School students in grades K–2 designed to foster resilience by helping children and families feel connected to each other, their community and the world. Emphasis was placed on exploring, sharing and celebrating the community’s stories and heritage. Students enjoyed educational trips to nature sites and landmarks, including South Cumberland State Park, Dutch Maid Bakery, Grundy County Historical Society, May Justus Memorial Library and the University of the South. 

A key part of each trip was introducing the children to community members who shared their unique stories. To help reinforce the camp themes and visits, children also enjoyed literacy-based activities such as read-alouds, original songs and journaling. 

“For many of the children and families, it was the first time they visited these places,” said Sherry Guyear, a camp leader and teacher at Tracy City Elementary School. “They were learning alongside of each other. These experiences will long be remembered.” 

The program is part of an ongoing community project involving Scholastic, Yale Child Study Center, the University of the South, Tracy City Elementary School and other local organizations. In addition to Camp Discover, a family cooperative program will begin early next year to help build supportive connections within the community. 

Representatives from both Yale Child Study Center and Scholastic were at the reunion. Dr. Linda Mayes of Yale Child Study Center and a native of the area noted, “We’re delighted to be working alongside such dedicated and talented community leaders and families.” Windy Lopez, director of community affairs at Scholastic, added, “Seeing the proud and confident smiles on the faces of the children and families is what this is ultimately about.”

Of the parents and adult family members who completed surveys this summer, 75 percent said they noticed changes in their child after participating in the camp, including personal and social growth such as increased confidence and being interested in family history, as well as an increased knowledge and interest in the community and in nature. 100 percent of families reported that their child made new friends at camp and that they would like their child to attend a program like this again in the future. 

As one parent shared during the reunion, “My child was excited to be able to hold and learn about animals such as the “corn snake.” He loved everything about the camp and couldn’t wait to go each day.” 

Emily Partin, director of Grundy County Schools Family Resource Center and a lead camp coordinator, said that children were so excited after the reunion, “Some even came to school with their event name tags and Camp Discover book bags … we can see how the program is making a positive impact!”

Civic Association Sets 2013 Community Chest Goal at $90,000

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

The Sewanee Civic Association voted at its Oct. 3 meeting to set the 2013 Community Chest goal at $90,000.

More than 40 people attended the dinner meeting at the Sewanee Inn. In setting the goal for the Community Chest, the membership approved funding for 25 organizations and initiatives in Sewanee and surrounding communities, assuming the full goal amount is met. The Community Chest board prepared the budget after evaluating the applications. Vice President Susan Holmes said the board was leading the fund drive this year, rather than appointed chairs and co-chairs, as in the past. The board will solicit gifts from past contributors and will extend the request for donations via social media, the Sewanee Classifieds email list and the Sewanee Mountain Messenger. New this year will be a mailing to all 37375 and 37383 zip-code residents asking for donations. Also new this year, contributors may donate through PayPal. (Go to the PayPal website, select “transfer,” then “send someone money,” and when prompted, enter the email address <sewaneecommunitychest@gmail.com>.)

At the meeting, members also discussed the option of charging fees for the Sewanee Classifieds email that the Civic Association administers. The membership approved charging non-Civic Association members a $5 annual fee for the Sewanee Classifieds beginning in January 2013. 

Sewanee Classifieds was created last May from a merger between the University Classifieds and the community email electronic mailing list; the combined list now has 1,020 members. The Civic Association agreed to administer the new Sewanee Classifieds, with past Civic Association president Elizabeth Clark Duncan acting as manager. The web service GroupSpaces hosts the account at a cost of $200 annually. Sewanee Classifieds users will be able to pay the fee at the GroupSpaces website. 

The “announcements only” option for Sewanee Classifieds will continue to be free, since only public service announcements and safety bulletins are sent. 

Holmes pointed out that since Civic Association annual dues are only $5, and the Sewanee Classifieds fee is waived for Civic Association members, Sewanee Classifieds users might want to consider joining the Civic Association. The organization plans to use revenue from Sewanee Classifieds to pay for board insurance and to help fund the Community Chest and future Civic Association projects. 

Kim Seavey was elected secretary of the Civic Association, replacing Louise Irwin, who asked to step down.

Tom Sawyer Comes to SAS Stage

Mischievousness comes to stage this weekend, as the St. Andrew’s-Sewanee Players present “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” Friday–Sunday, Oct. 12–14, at McCrory Hall for the Performing Arts on the St. Andrew’s-Sewanee campus. Friday and Saturday nights’ performances begin at 7 p.m., and  Sunday’s matinee is at 4 p.m.

Close to 40 students are involved in the production, including veteran SAS players Lauren Baulch (Huckleberry Finn), Karen Bjerre (Tom Sawyer), Lucas Crossland (Injun Joe) and Carter Demartini (Judge Thatcher). The script was adapted by John Holleman and Emma Clare Holleman. The show is directed by John Holleman and Robie Jackson. 

The SAS theatre program will perform at the prestigious 2013 Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. 

To help raise funds for this tremendous opportunity, SAS Players Productions will raise ticket prices this year to $20 for adults and $10 for children. However, if the ticket price is outside a family’s budget, the SAS Players will accept what a family can donate. Robie Jackson promises, “We never want to turn anyone away—ever.” Tickets are available at the door.

Other fund-raising events will be scheduled throughout the school year. To learn more, email Jackson at <rjackson@sasweb.org> or call (615) 554-2860.

Alfred Temple (Jay Blunt) and Becky Thatcher (Isabelle Sutherland) share a scene from “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” at SAS this weekend. Photo courtesy of St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School

Fall Break at Local Schools

The University begins fall break at 5 p.m., today, Oct. 12. Classes will resume on Wednesday, Oct. 17.

Franklin and Grundy county schools begin fall break after school today, Oct. 12. Classes will resume on Oct. 22.

St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School will be on break starting Friday, Oct. 19, after 5 p.m. Classes resume on Tuesday, Oct. 23.

Bishop Howard of Florida Elected Chancellor at Sewanee: University of the South

The Rt. Rev. Samuel Johnson (John) Howard, Bishop of the Diocese of Florida, was elected the 24th chancellor of Sewanee: the University of the South at the Oct. 9 meeting of the University’s board of trustees. Howard succeeds the Rt. Rev. J. Neil Alexander, who served as chancellor from October 2009 through July 2012. Alexander stepped down to become dean of the School of Theology.

Howard, a native of North Carolina, was elected bishop coadjutor of the Episcopal Diocese of Florida and was consecrated in 2003. He was ordained as bishop of the diocese in January 2004. He has been a member of Sewanee’s board of trustees since 2004 and the board of regents since 2007, and received an honorary degree from the University in 2004.

Howard previously served as vicar of Trinity Church Wall Street in New York City. Active in church and community activities, Howard served as president of John Heuss House, a homeless shelter in Manhattan, and as a board member of St. Margaret’s House, which furnishes housing for the elderly and mobility-impaired. 

He was one of the leaders of the congregation and staff of Trinity Church Wall Street and St. Paul’s Chapel in the wake of the events of Sept. 11, 2001. He assumed a leadership role in the city, speaking on a variety of issues regarding redevelopment of the World Trade Center site, transportation and public services.

Prior to moving to New York, Howard served in Charleston, S.C., and in Charlotte, N.C. Howard graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary and was ordained in 1989. He practiced law before attending seminary, serving as an assistant U.S. attorney and federal public defender for the Eastern District of North Carolina. He also served as an attorney on the staff of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee.

In addition to being an alumnus of Virginia Theological Seminary, he is a graduate of Williams College and of the Law School of Wake Forest University.

The chancellor is elected from the bishops of the University’s owning dioceses for a term of six years. The chancellor is president, ex officio, of the board of trustees and a member of the board of regents.

School Board Revises Bid Package for SES Renovation

by K. G. Beavers, Messenger Staff Writer

The Franklin County school board met in a regular session on Oct. 8. Discussion included the renovation bids for Sewanee Elementary School and a district Race to the Top grant application.

After discussing a number of alternatives about the SES renovation, the board decided to remove the water-harvesting system from the bid and rebid the project with a metal roof. New bids will be ready by the work session on Nov. 5. “We are interested in the metal roof, and the rain water harvester is not cost-efficient,” said Chris McDonough, school board member.

“We all agree we must repair Sewanee Elementary. Since we are displacing water from a county property to property on the Domain, we need to talk with the Domain manager and make sure what we are doing is correct,” he said.

“In light of the large-scale construction project going on at the Sewanee golf course and what happened with water runoff into Shakerag Hollow, we need to have that conversation with the Domain manager,” said McDonough. 

The plans for the water runoff at SES is to have the water discharged slowly back into the natural water table on the playground side of the building. The rest of the water runoff will be taken underground to the back part of the site towards the creek.

The school board budget will have to be amended by moving money from the fund balance to a budget line item. The county commission will also have to approve the money being moved from the fund balance.

In another matter, Director of Schools Rebecca Sharber reported that the school system is in the process of applying for a district Race to the Top grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Even if the Franklin County system does not receive the grant, she said, the process of writing the proposal has been helpful for long-range planning goals.

“This grant is a long shot, but we have to try,” said Sharber.

In the grant application, Franklin County has three goals. One is to hire and train teachers to be a professional learning community. With the grant money, Franklin County would build a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) community center. The third goal would be to extend the reach of the best Franklin County teachers to the STEM center. The grant proposal is due at the end of this month and will be awarded in December to between 15 and 25 school districts.

The Department of Education expects to make four-year awards ranging from $5 million to $40 million to those districts “that have the leadership and vision to implement the strategies, structures and systems needed to implement personalized, student-focused approaches to learning and teaching that will produce excellence and ensure equity for all students.” 

For more information, go to <http://www2.ed.gov/programs/racetothetop-district/index.html>.

In order to help the long range planning with the county commission and county departments, Richard Stewart, the mayor of Franklin County, has appointed a commissioner to each of the departments. This was done to help the commissioners better understand the departments’ budgetary processes. Commissioner Sherwood Ebey has been assigned to the school board.

The Lemon Fair Angels: An Enduring Tradition

By K.G. Beavers, Messenger Staff Writer
One of Sewanee’s enduring traditions is to get a guardian angel. When you enter the gates,  tap the car roof to let your angel rest. When you leave the gates, tap your car roof to take your angel with you for protection.
Gay Alvarez thought that was such a charming notion that she began to provide fun and unusual angels at her store, the Lemon Fair. In the 1980s, Gay asked Christi Teasley, who was working for her at the time, to come up with some artwork for the Sewanee angel legend. Teasley also asked Rob Keele, a local songwriter, to write about the Sewanee angel legend. “I do not know what would have happened to this store without the angel story,” said Alvarez.
A Sewanee resident since 1964, Gay Alvarez is no stranger to the Village. Alvarez has been in business since 1972, and is the longest running proprietor of a business in Sewanee. Ken Taylor at Taylor’s Mercantile is second.
In 1972, Alvarez and Marilyn Powell opened up a needlework shop on Georgia Avenue, the first site of the Lemon Fair.
“The dean of women at the time, Mary Sue Cushman, said what Sewanee really needed was a needlework shop,” said Alvarez. “Marilyn and I opened up the business with about $500 each. The first Lemon Fair was in a four-room shotgun style house. The needlework supplies filled up one room.”
Trying to decide what to do with the remainder of the rooms, Alvarez filled another room with her own handmade pottery. “With the needlework, pottery and some kitchen supplies, we had a small business. Then we started noticing that people mostly bought the pottery. Whatever the people buy is the direction in which you should go.”
A gift shop with local art began. The Lemon Fair transformed into a gallery and gift shop featuring  handmade, unusual and magical gifts, including angels.
In 1975, Alvarez bought the Arthur Long grocery store on University Avenue. Long’s was still a functioning general merchandise store, one of two such stores in Sewanee at that time. “We bought it ‘as is,’ with the inventory still in place on the shelves.”
Throughout the years, Alvarez has incorporated other local artists’ works into her store. A customer can buy locally made pottery from John Ray, Claire Reishman and Merissa Tobler. Sarah Vance sells her angel-shaped goat soaps. Former resident Ben Potter offers tin angels. Long time residents will remember Shipp and Judith Webb’s distinct and popular jewelry being available. While Alvarez no longer makes her own pottery, she is concentrating on making jewelry. Of course, some of the Lemon Fair shelves are still lined with Teasley’s angel artwork adorned on mugs.
The store got its name from the Lemon Fair River in Bridport, Vt. While visiting her sister in Vermont, Alvarez read about the river in the local paper, and thought that would be a great name for a store.
Opinions on the origins of the river’s name differ. Some say the name originated with local Native Americans. Others say it is an English corruption of two French phrases “Limon faire,” to make mud, and “Le mon faire,” let the people be. Another interpretation is the “Lemon Fare,” where the Lemon family fare (traveled) forth. Alvarez just thought it was a great, cutesy name for a store.
After 40 years in business, Alvarez thinks it is time for her to retire and has the business up for sale. She wants to spend more time with her six grandchildren.
“I also do not want my children to have to figure out what to do with this business in the future,” she said.
“My favorite part of owning a business in Sewanee is the people. What I will miss most is meeting the students and their parents. People love coming back to this store. They seem happy that I am still here, and I am happy to see them.”
Part of the Sewanee angel legend in her store says, “Every man, woman and child living now and forever in Sewanee was assigned an angel. It is this angel’s duty to preserve the spirit of Sewanee in one’s mind.”
“I like the idea of angels,” Alvarez said.

Shenanigans Closing This Sunday

Shenanigans is closing on Sunday, Oct. 7, after it serves lunch for the last time under the ownership and management of Shelley and Ward Cammack. 

Cammack said the restaurant is for sale.

“We have a number of employees who want to go to work at other places,” Cammack said on Oct. 2.

“This is a good opportunity for them to move on, and we didn’t want to hinder that.”

He said they would not have the staff to keep the restaurant open after Sunday.

“We’ve accomplished what we set out to do,” he said. “When we bought Shenanigans, we had a set of objectives to turn the business around and have accomplished those: structural improvements, information systems, reduce overhead and variable costs such as food and payroll. Having completed the tasks, it’s time for us to step back.”

Cammack said that he and Shelley and their family are not leaving Sewanee. “We’ll be taking some time off,” he said. “These last two years have been very hectic.”

A number of people have contacted the Cammacks about purchasing the restaurant.

“We hope it will reopen soon, but that will depend on the next owner,” he said.
The Cammacks bought Shenanigans in December 2010 and opened it in January 2011 with a revised menu.

Samuel Hoge built the building in 1872, to be used as a general store. In its long and varied past, the building has been a roller skating rink, a laundry facility for the ROTC during WWII, a shoe shop, a tin shop, and a wagon repair shop. Most people remember Winn’s General Store as the last business before Shenanigans opened.

Shenanigans began as a deli, cheese and coffee shop in September 1974 with the original owners, Richard Riddell and Merissa Tobler. Tom Brown was the next owner, who added the grill to the restaurant, and offered such items as hand-tossed pizzas and hand-patted burgers. The third owners, Todd and Katherine Kaderabek, added sandwiches such as the Cool Cucumber, the Skinny Bob’s Meat Melt and the Vegi Muffaletta. They also began the cooperative Shenanigans Gallery. Britt and Teresa Brantley were the fourth owners of the restaurant, and opened Café Arcadia Coffeehouse in the back of the restaurant. The fifth owners, Kiki and Ben Beavers, added new sandwiches, soups and salads to the menu. They also began the process of straightening the building, tearing out three walls and adding supports and a new foundation to stabilize the building.

—Reported by Laura Willis

McConnachie to Give Founders’ Day Address

Jenny McConnachie, one of the longest-serving Episcopal missionaries in the church’s history, will deliver the Founders’ Day address and receive an honorary Doctor of Canon Law during the Oct. 9 Convocation at the University. The ceremony, held at 12:30 p.m. in All Saints’ Chapel, will include the conferral of two additional honorary degrees, the installation of the provost of the university and the induction of new members into the Order of Gownsmen.

McConnachie, a nurse, met her husband, Chris, when they both worked at hospitals in London. Their careers took them from London to Canada, to South Africa and to North Carolina, where they settled and began raising a family. In 1981, the McConnachie family—including five children—returned to South Africa for what became a lasting commitment. They found an overwhelming demand for healthcare and other services, and in response started the African Medical Mission with support from U.S. churches. McConnachie launched a medical clinic for people living on the local garbage dump. That program, the Itipini Community Project, now includes a preschool, after-school and nutrition programs and other services, providing care to 3,000 people.

Honorary degrees awarded during this Convocation have a theme of service to the broad Episcopal Church. The University will confer upon Christopher Bryan, C. K. Benedict Professor of New Testament at Sewanee’s School of Theology, an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree, and upon W. Brown Patterson, C’52, Francis S. Houghteling Professor of History emeritus, an honorary Doctor of Letters.

A native of London, Bryan attended Wadham College, Oxford, graduating in the Honour Schools of both Theology and English Language and Literature, and coming under the influence of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien. Before moving to Sewanee in 1983, he taught New Testament at Virginia Theological Seminary, and was associate director of the Center for Continuing Education. Here, Bryan has held the positions of professor of New Testament, interim chaplain, priest associate, and editor of the Sewanee Theological Review. His scholarly books cover topics including the Gospel of Mark, St. Paul’s letter to the 

School Board Meets in Work Session: Discussion of SES Renovations Tops the Agenda

by K.G. Beavers, Sewanee Messenger Staff Writer

The Franklin County school board met in a work session on Oct. 1 at Sewanee Elementary School to discuss SES renovation bids, update on the honors distinction for graduating and the credit recovery program.

Steve Morris, representing the firm of Kaatz, Binkley, Jones & Morris Architects, Inc., spoke with school board members and guests about some of the renovations that needed to be done to the school. School Board Chairman Kevin Caroland “wanted the school board to physically see some of the work that we need to do up here.”

“We’re grateful to Principal Maxon for letting us hold our meeting at SES. It was very useful to have the on-site tour of the repairs that need to be done to the school,” said Chris McDonough, school board member.

Sealed bids for the renovation were accepted until Sept. 25 at the school board office. Six contractors bid on the project, which is expected to take 180 days to complete. One bid was more than the proposed $750,000.

Morris explained the changes to the windows, replacing the roof on the oldest part of the building, and the biggest concern of draining the water away from the building. School board members raised concern over the water harvesting system. Morris said that without this alternative, the downspout would just be replaced and the school would still have a water issue. “The real purpose of this water system is to relieve some of the water drainage coming into the building,” said Morris.

“I am in favor of fixing Sewanee, and there are some things we were not aware of,” said school board member Betty Jo Drummond. “But we need to take our time and do our homework before we approve a bid. What do we really need to have fixed?” she asked. 

“The repairs are going to cost a lot, but they’re necessary as maintenance. Given the expense, the rain harvesting tank might have to be put on hold,” said McDonough.

The school board wants to see a price differential between a metal roof and a shingle roof. Discussion will continue at the Oct. 8 school board meeting before a bid is accepted. Once a bid is accepted, work will begin immediately, taking into consideration the planning process between Maxon and the contractor.

“Some of the work will no doubt be disruptive, especially in the playground and on that side of the school. But I know SES faculty and staff will be able to handle it,” said McDonough.

Students graduating in 2013 will be the first class to graduate under the Tennessee Diploma Project. 

The purpose of the project is to better prepare students to be successful after graduation from high school. One area of improvement determines how a student graduates with honors. The new system of recognition exceeds the earlier system of a student reaching a specific grade point average in order to graduate with honors. The state also mandates that the schools recognize those graduating with distinction.
To graduate with honors under the new system, a student who scores at or above all the subject area readiness benchmarks on the ACT or the equivalent SAT scores will graduate with honors. The ACT benchmark scores are English, 18; math, 22; reading, 21; and science reasoning, 24.
To graduate with distinction, a student must have a B average (3.0) and do one of the following: earn a nationally recognized industry certification; participate in at least one of the Governor’s Schools; participate in one of the state’s All State musical organizations; be selected as a National Merit finalist or semi-finalist; attain a composite score of 31 or higher on the ACT; attain a score of 3 or higher on at least two advanced placement exams; or earn 12 or more semester hours of transcripted postsecondary credit.
Another topic of discussion was credit recovery, where a student can “recover” credit for a course previously taken but not passed. The student must have previously taken the course and made a grade of at least 50. Then, if the student shows “mastery of information” through a computerized learning program, they will in turn receive credit for that class. This credit recovery option can happen before, during or after school hours.
The principal of the high school has to implement the credit recovery program. It is not a school board policy.
In 2011–12, 24 high school seniors decided to take part in the program. Fifteen of those completed the credit recovery process. In 2012–13, 35 students have been targeted as needing credit recovery in order to graduate. Since the graduation rate is an accountability measure mandated by the state, Franklin County High School will continue to offer this program to keep up the graduation rate.
“Our goal is to not need credit recovery in the future,” said FCHS principal Greg Mantooth.

Durant Named Commended Student by National Merit Scholarship Program

The Rev. John Thomas, Head of School at St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School, recently announced that Sidney Durant of Coalmont, Tenn., has been named a Commended Student in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program.

 Durant placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2013 competition by taking the 2011 Preliminary SAT/Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. In addition to showing exceptional academic promise, Sidney is a gifted potter and a member of the SAS swimming and mountain biking teams. He is an Honors student at SAS and has received academic awards in French and clay. Last summer he attended the Governor’s School for Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He was a member of the school’s team that participated in the 200-mile Ragnar Relay from Chattanooga to Nashville last fall. In 2011, he qualified for the TICSA Swimming & Diving Championships.

 He is the son of Veronique and Bruno Durant.

University Family Weekend

Sewanee welcomes students’ families this weekend, Oct. 5–7. The Sewanee Fall Craft Fair is being held at Shoup Park on Saturday (story on page 8). Other weekend highlights include a reception; picnic lunch; athletic events including football, soccer, and cross country; bird walks and hikes; visits with faculty; and the Freshman Showcase onstage. Vice-Chancellor John McCardell will welcome families Friday evening at All Saints’ Chapel. For a full schedule of all the activities, go to <www.sewanee.edu>.